What to Serve with Surf and Turf (25 Easy Sides)

So you’re making surf and turf for dinner. 

And you’re looking for a side dish that’s easy, but will still wow your guests? 

Well, you’ve come to the right place! 

In this post, we’ll cover some of our favorite easy side dishes for serving with surf and turf. 

So grab your tongs and let’s get started.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Surf and Turf?

Surf and Turf is not only a classic main course but also works extremely well as an impressive hors d’oeuvre.

As with most entrees and appetizers, the side dishes are just as important for establishing your overall menu while demonstrating your creativity and inventiveness.

Side dishes can be an excellent way to flip classic surf and Turf on its head, but they can also just as easily showcase your ability to mimic classic recipes while fine-tuning them for unique taste profiles.

Another reason for considering side dishes for surf and Turf is that, in some cases, they are the true stars of the show, fulfilling appetites without filling patrons up too quickly.

In addition, side dishes can be cost-effective, as they may require less preparation and ingredients.

They also give you more opportunities to let people customize their meals.

What to Serve with Surf and Turf (25 Easy Sides)

While surf and turf can be a great meal, it’s also nice to see what other options are available.

Here are some great pairings for surf and turf that you may not have thought of:

1. Potato Salad

Potatoes are a classic side dish that are just amazing with any meal.

However, they’re even better when they’re served with a creamy, tangy salad dressing.

This recipe for potato salad is a classic side that will help bring any meal to life.

2. Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is an easy side dish to make.

It’s simple and delicious.

You just have to mix together some garlic, oil, and herbs.

Add some bread and you’re done.

3. Cherry Tomato Salad

This recipe is perfect for those who love fresh fruits.

It’s a refreshing way to enjoy summertime, and it’s only getting better as the days get warmer.

It’s also a great way to make use of cherry tomatoes because they’re in season now.

It’s a quick and easy recipe, and it’s also low in calories, making it perfect for those who are watching their weight.

4. Broccoli Slaw

Broccoli slaw goes well with most meals because it’s a crunchy, healthy, and versatile side.

And, it’s easy to make.

It’s a great side dish to serve with any meal.

It’s also a great way to get kids to eat their vegetables.

5. Buttermilk Biscuits

Buttermilk biscuits are soft pillows of goodness that can accompany your surf and turf while they cook in the oven.

These sweet and savory pillows taste delicious whether you dip them in the juice from your steak or have them on their own.

They’re a totally classic side dish for this special meal.

6. Roasted Eggplant

We love eggplant, and we think that’s why it’s one of the most popular vegetable crops in the world.

It’s easy to grow, and it’s easy to cook with because it absorbs flavors really well.

This means that if you want to add some extra flavor to your surf and turf meal, Roasted Eggplant could be the perfect choice.

You can serve this dish hot or cold, which means you can serve it year-round.

Just slice the eggplant into thick wedges and roast them at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.

You can also serve them cold on top of a salad with grilled chicken for a delicious Mediterranean-style dinner!

7. Coconut Rice

This sweet and savory dish is easy to make and goes well with the savory richness of the surf and turf main course.

You can whip it up in less than 10 minutes, so it’s perfect for when you’ve got a big meal to prepare but not a lot of time.

It’s also great for when you have guests coming over, since it doesn’t take long to make.

You can make your own coconut rice by following these instructions:

1. Combine 1 cup uncooked white rice with 1 cup coconut milk in a saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until all of the liquid is absorbed (about 20 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

8. Baked Zucchini

Baked Zucchini is an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that even the most inexperienced chef can pull off in no time at all!

And we promise you that your guests will leave raving about how good it is.

9. Creamy Caesar Salad

Why not consider a classic?

The tang of the dressing, the crunch of the croutons, and the creaminess of the cheese all make this salad a match made in heaven with any surf and turf.

10. Maple-Glazed Carrots

Maple-Glazed Carrots are one of the most versatile and delicious dishes out there.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, it’s full of crunchy texture, and it makes a great base for adding all sorts of other flavors (like curry powder or cumin).

And it only takes 10 minutes to make!

Here’s how:

1. Cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then set aside.
2. In the same skillet, toss together your carrots with maple syrup, salt, pepper, and butter.
3. Cook over medium-high heat until they’re tender (about 10 minutes).
4. Add your bacon back into the pan to reheat it, then serve!

11. Homemade Cheesy Garlic Breadsticks

This side brings all of the flavors you already love together, and adds a little something extra: garlic!

We all know that garlic is great for making any dish more flavorful, but it also adds an element of crunch that no other ingredient can bring: the aroma of freshly baked, slightly crispy bread.

If you haven’t tried these yet, it’s time to get on board!

12. Baked Beans

We love the classic baked potato and salad, but sometimes we want something more exciting.

That’s where baked beans come in!

Baked beans are a great complement to surf and turf because they introduce some sweetness to the dish and really help to offset the saltiness of both the meat and seafood.

Plus, they’re easy to make ahead so you don’t have to worry about doing too much cooking during dinner time!

13. Rice pilaf

Another option for an accompaniment to surf and turf is rice pilaf.

Pilaf is a delicious mixture of cooked rice, mixed with vegetables or herbs, sometimes even fruit, and typically flavored with saffron.

Rice pilaf is simple, yet sophisticated and can be prepared in many different ways.

For example, you could prepare a classic Persian herb rice pilaf with fava beans (see also these canned fava bean recipes) and dill, which would go great with your savory steak and lobster because it will give you a savory taste with a hint of freshness from the dill.

The fava beans also provide extra protein so you will feel fuller longer after eating your meal.

If you’re not into beans, or just want something simpler to eat on the side alongside your surf-and-turf combo, you can prepare saffron rice pilaf with orange zest.

14. Beet salad

If you’re making a surf and turf meal, consider pairing it with a hearty beet salad.

Beets are in season throughout the summer, so this is the best time to try out this tasty side dish.

This hearty, tangy salad pairs perfectly with a sensational steak and lobster dish. It’s also a beautiful dish to serve.

15. French fries

French fries are perfect for this dish because they’re something everyone loves, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not your guests will be fans.

You can dress them up by cutting the potatoes into fancy shapes or sprinkling them with cayenne pepper, or keep it simple and just fry some russet potatoes with a little bit of salt—whatever you do will be delicious.

Even though they’re super easy to make, they’ll still look impressive when you serve them as part of your surf and turf spread.

And since this is a special occasion dish, you can use oil if you like—it’ll get nice and hot without burning in a cast iron skillet.

16. Green beans

Green beans are tasty and healthy, so you can feel good about serving them.

Plus, they’re easy to prepare: just blanch them in boiling water for two minutes, then remove from the water and add a pinch of salt.

They’re also budget-friendly: green beans cost $2.00 per pound at the store.

These facts make green beans an excellent choice for your surf and turf dinner, and we recommend them highly!

17. Asparagus spears with lemon butter sauce

If time is not an issue and you’re looking for a simple side dish, asparagus spears cooked in lemon butter sauce is a great option.

This can be made from scratch quite easily, or you can buy it ready-made from your local grocery store.

This is also a healthy option, so it’s good for people who have dietary restrictions.

Another thing to know about this option is that it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

18. Garlic-Roasted Broccoli

If you’re looking for a side that hits all of your food groups (or at least, two out of three), look no further than Garlic-Roasted Broccoli.

This dish is a little bit sweet and a little bit savory, and it’s simple to prepare:

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Chop one head of broccoli into florets.
3. Toss the broccoli in olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper until coated.
4. Spread the broccoli out on a baking sheet so that none of it is overlapping. Bake for 15 minutes, or until it starts to brown.
5. Serve!

When pairing this side dish with your surf and turf, keep in mind that your main course already includes both meat and seafood.

To round out the meal, you’ll probably want something vegetal—or if you prefer something starchy, consider something like risotto or pasta instead.

19. Grilled Corn Salad

The best thing about this grilled corn salad is that it complements the meal without overpowering it—the flavors are strong enough to make them stand out, but they don’t drown out the flavors of the surf and turf.

And it’s just so easy!

All you have to do is cut some corn off the cob (or use canned corn if you’re in a hurry), dice up some avocado, mix it together with salt and pepper, and voilà!

You’ve got a side dish that will take your surf-and-turf dinner from good to great.

20. Sautéed mushrooms (any kind will do)

Sautéed mushrooms complement surf and turf by offering a rich earthy flavor.

They also add texture with their softness, similar to how seafood is tender and succulent.

This helps make your surf and turf more filling without adding more calories or fat to your meal!

And don’t forget about price!

Sautéed mushrooms tend to be pretty affordable compared to other side dishes you might consider serving with your surf and turf, but they still offer all of their delicious flavors.

However, if you want to pair your surf and turf with Sautéed mushrooms, be careful how much of those you use. M

ushrooms can really overpower this dish if you use too many of them, so serve just enough to complement the other food without upstaging it.

21. Deviled eggs

Deviled eggs are easy to make, inexpensive, and beloved by everyone—which makes them the perfect addition to your next surf and turf meal.

They pair perfectly with the seafood and red meat flavors, and you can even get creative with them!

We love a good deviled egg remix: adding bacon or truffle oil or topping it with caviar is always a crowd-pleaser.

If you’d rather not go through the trouble of making your own deviled eggs, that’s no problem!

You can find plenty of options at your local grocery store that will pair beautifully with your meal.

22. Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a classic side dish to serve.

It’s easy to prepare and works well with almost any kind of meat.

1. The best way to prepare coleslaw is to use a good-quality mayonnaise, shredded cabbage, and a variety of vegetables such as celery, carrots, and green onions.
2. Toss them together in a big bowl after you dice the veggies up into small pieces.
3. If you want to get fancy, top it off with some sliced almonds or sunflower seeds.

Don’t forget the salt!

When pairing surf and turf with coleslaw, you should consider how much time you have to prepare your meal.

If you are running short on time, purchase pre-shredded cabbage at your local grocery store so that preparation is quick and easy.

You can also make it ahead of time so that the flavors marry in the fridge overnight.

23. Cornbread

There’s just something about cornbread‘s buttery, dense texture that pairs perfectly with a hearty steak and your favorite seafood.

And the best part?

It’s fast, easy, and generally pretty inexpensive!

The most important thing to consider when pairing these two foods is the richness factor.

You want something that will balance out the creamy richness of the main dish without making it feel too heavy.

Cornbread does just that—it’s light enough to make you feel like you’ve got a balanced meal, but rich enough to make you feel like it’s a special occasion.

24. Roasted brussels sprouts

Roasted brussels sprouts have an earthy flavor profile that complements the richness of your surf and turf meal perfectly.

They also add a nice crunch.

Here’s how we prepare them at my house:

1. Put some olive oil on a baking sheet in an even layer.
2. Add some salt and pepper.
3. Chop your brussels sprouts into small pieces, then toss them in the pan with the oil until they are evenly coated. This helps them roast evenly when they go in the oven!
4. Bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes—no longer!

The outside should be crispy and browned, but not so browned or burnt that it tastes bitter!

25. Fried rice

We personally like preparing our fried rice in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

It takes about 10 minutes to cook.

If you want to add in some extra flavor, throw in a few cloves of minced garlic and let them simmer in the oil before adding the rest of your ingredients.

What Vegetables to Serve with Surf and Turf

Surf and turf—the combination of steak and seafood—is a classic, delicious meal that’s perfect for all kinds of occasions.

But what if you’re having a lot of people over? Or maybe you just want to get fancy?

You’ll want to serve sides that complement the meat and seafood, and make your spread look more impressive.

Here are 9 vegetables to serve with surf and turf:

1. Parsnips

Parsnips are hearty and sweet, making them a great addition to any meal.

They’re an excellent choice for a side dish to go with Surf and Turf because they’re starchy, which helps to balance out the fattiness of meat.

Parsnips can also be roasted or boiled and will retain their texture and flavor in either preparation method.

2. Asparagus

Asparagus is one of the best vegetables to serve with Surf and Turf because it’s crunchy and fresh.

If you cut your asparagus into thin slices, you can even serve it raw as an appetizer!

It’s also got a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the meaty taste of your Surf and Turf dish.

Try serving it grilled or in a stir-fry for the freshest taste!

3. Beets

Beets have always been one of our favorite vegetables to eat because of their sweet flavor.

They’re also a great source of fiber, and the red ones offer a beautiful color contrast to the white meat of your Surf and Turf.

Grate or slice your beets thin for a crisp, fresh side dish that will add a pop of color to your table.

4. Carrots

Carrots have a crunch that no other veggie can match, making them the perfect side dish to go with your Surf and Turf.

It’s also a good idea to serve carrots alongside your Surf and Turf dish because of the way they contrast in both color and flavor with the meat.

5. Celery

Celery is a great low-calorie side dish that offers a crunchy texture and mild flavor.

It’s a good idea to pair celery with your Surf and Turf dish because it has a similar texture and flavor.

This means that one side dish that has a mild celery taste is a great choice to serve alongside your Surf and Turf dish!

6. Green Beans

Ever since we discovered green beans, we’ve been absolutely hooked!

They have a mild flavor and crunchy texture that makes them a great side dish to go with your Surf and Turf.

Try grilling your green beans if you want a slightly smoky flavor.

7. Potatoes

Potatoes are definitely one of the best vegetables to serve with Surf and Turf, because of how well-suited they are to meat.

They’re starchy, so they help to cut the fat and make the dish a bit healthier.

Potatoes also have a bit of sweetness to them, which makes them a great pairing for salty meats like Surf and Turf.

8. Bell Peppers

Colors are also important when it comes to pairing up a dish.

So if you want to go with a bold color scheme, serving a Surf and Turf dish with a bright red or orange bell pepper is a great way to do it!

9. Peas

If you want to try something a little different, serve your dish with green peas.

Peas have a mild flavor that contrasts with the saltiness of your Surf and Turf, and they can even be used as a vegetarian substitute!

Just be sure to boil or steam them first to avoid a mushy texture.

What Wine to Serve with Surf and Turf

The right wine can turn a meal into an unforgettable experience.

In fact, a good wine can elevate the entire occasion, and some of the best wines are surprisingly affordable.

And since it’s always nice to have a few good bottles on hand, here are some great choices that will complement your dinner.

1. The Party Favorite – Bordeaux

This classic French wine has been around for centuries and is still as popular as ever. In fact, it’s often considered one of the most versatile reds out there.

At under $20 per bottle, you can’t go wrong with this one!

2. The Family Night Wine – Chardonnay

This is a white wine that’s great with seafood or chicken dishes and also complements pasta nicely—so it’s perfect for family dinners and gatherings with friends alike.

It’s not too sweet or too dry and has just enough acidity to give it that crisp finish without being overwhelming on your palate (which makes it easier to enjoy).

3. The Special Occasion Wine – Champagne or Prosecco

For those special occasions when you need something extra special—like celebrating an engagement or anniversary—these sparkling wines are perfect choices!

They’re both light and refreshing but have their own distinct flavors.

4. The New Classic

Red wine is the go-to choice for many people, and while it’s a staple at most dinner tables, it’s not always the right choice.

If you’re serving up a juicy steak or some tender ribs, pair it with a classic red like Cabernet Sauvignon.

With subtle notes of blackberry, cherry and vanilla, this wine pairs well with rack of lamb and venison.

It also pairs well with other red meats like beef, pork and lamb.

5. The Surprise

For something a little bit different, try pairing your surf & turf with a white wine like Riesling.

This wine has a crisp flavor that pairs well with grilled fish and shellfish.

You can also pair it with chicken or pork chops if you prefer something lighter.

6. The Showstopper

If you want to impress your guests, consider serving up some sparkling wine.

A nice bottle of bubbly will add some sparkle to your meal, while also complementing the flavors of the food you’re serving.

Sparkling wine pairs well with just about anything from salads to desserts!

What Sauce to Serve with Surf and Turf

The best part of going out to a steakhouse is getting the surf and turf.

It’s a classic meal that you simply can’t go wrong with.

What may not be as obvious is what sauce to serve with your surf and turf. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered!

1. The Classic

The first option is the classic: hollandaise sauce.

This creamy, lemony sauce is delicious and makes anything it covers taste even better!

All you have to do to make this sauce is whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, butter, cayenne pepper, and salt over a double boiler.

Pro tip: if you find your sauce becoming too thick while it’s cooking, add in a little extra lemon juice and whisk vigorously until it becomes smooth again.

If you’re feeling extra fancy, add in some chives or parsley for some color and texture!

2. A Bold Choice

If you’re looking for something a little more exciting than butter, try a béarnaise sauce.

You’ll need tarragon, egg yolks, water, white wine vinegar, shallots, salt, lemon juice, black peppercorns, and unsalted butter for this one.

1. To make it, start by combining tarragon, egg yolks, water, white wine vinegar, shallots, salt, lemon juice and peppercorns in a blender until smooth.
2. Then heat it on low heat while whisking in unsalted butter until the mixture thickens.

3. The Adventurous

This sauce is our pick for people who are looking to really shake up their palette while still keeping it classy.

We’re talking about a cranberry-based sauce that has a balsamic reduction drizzled over it—and then, just for kicks, some Sriracha. We know what you’re thinking.

Cranberry and Sriracha?

But yes! It’s a flavor profile that’s unexpected, but totally delicious!

4. A Worldly Choice – Curry Sauce

It may sound weird, but curry sauce was made to be paired with the perfect combination of filet mignon and lobster tail.

This may be because both seafood and meat pair excellently with earthy spices like cumin and cinnamon, which are often found in curry sauce.

5. The Natural Choice – Mushroom Gravy

This hearty sauce is the perfect complement to a delicious steak, or even just french fries!

1. To make it, start by frying bacon in a pan, then remove it and saute mushrooms in the bacon grease until they’re soft.
2. Add salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder, then add flour and cook for 4 minutes.
3. Next, pour in beef broth, stir until all clumps disappear, and bring to a boil.
4. Add the bacon back in, reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 15 minutes.

That’s it!

6. The Home-Cooked Choice – Herb Butter

With herb butter, you’ll get rich, creamy flavor that goes well with both lobster and steak.

It also adds a bit of freshness to the dish to balance out the richness of the meat and lobster.

This sauce is easy to make at home or buy already made from your local grocery store.

All it takes is softened butter, lemon zest, garlic, and finely chopped herbs like basil or parsley, then mix together and let firm up in the fridge before serving with your surf and turf dinner.

7. The Party Favorite – Cocktail sauce

Cocktail sauce is great for everyone.

It adds a little bit of tanginess and spiciness to your fish and meat, without overpowering the flavor. What’s more, it’s low-calorie and easy to make at home!

8. Louisiana-style BBQ Sauce

BBQ Sauce is perfect if you’re going for something a little more savory.

It can really bring out the smoky, barbequed flavor of your meal so that you know what it’s supposed to taste like.

While some people prefer the Carolina-style or Kansas City-style BBQ sauces, we like the Louisiana-style best because of its smokey flavor and versatility.

What Salad to Serve with Surf and Turf

When you’re planning a dinner menu, it’s easy to get stuck trying to figure out what to serve with surf and turf.

You can’t just give your guests the same old salad they’ve had a million times before.

When you’re brainstorming ideas, think about serving these salads:

1. Apple and Cranberry Salad

The classic holiday dish of apple and cranberry salad is a perfect complement to your surf and turf.

The sweetness of the apples and cranberries pair perfectly with the salty taste of your surf and turf, and the freshness of the ingredients will keep your meal from tasting too heavy.

2. Kale Salad

We all know kale is healthy now—we’ve heard that enough already—but this salad is actually delicious as well as good for you.

It’s also beautiful, which means it will look great on the table next to your surf and turf.

The best part about kale salads is that you can vary them by adding different toppings to suit the occasion or your own preferences.

If you want something really earthy, try adding mushrooms and walnuts; if you want a more summery feel, add strawberries and almonds; if you want a more elegant feel, add raspberries and pecans.

You get the drift.

3. Greek Salad with Lettuce

This salad is a simple mix of lettuce and cucumbers, tossed with homemade Greek dressing which is made from olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and oregano.

The crispness of the lettuce and cucumber will offset the creaminess of the dressing, making this a delicious dish that will pair perfectly with your steak.

4. Corn Salad–Corn, cucumbers, red onion

For this recipe, you’ll need one cup of corn, half a cucumber, and half a red onion.

The name of the salad is super straightforward: it’s a salad that contains corn, cucumbers, and red onion.

Cut your veggies into bite-sized pieces and combine them with salt and pepper to taste.

If you want to make the salad more interesting, add some crumbled feta cheese or some cilantro.

It’s totally up to you how you want to serve it!

You can go classic and serve it on a bed of lettuce or get creative with a layered parfait glass that makes your creation look like a work of art!

5. Salad Nicoise

This salad is made from tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, capers, anchovies, and lettuce.

It’s served with a mustard-based vinaigrette that gives it a bright flavor that goes well with the rich taste of steak.

The flavors in this salad are bold enough to match up with the steak without overpowering it.

6. Caesar Salad

A Caesar salad is perfect for surf and turf, especially if it’s the surf component you’re having trouble with.

Sure, Caesar is usually served alongside chicken or fish, but it goes great with steak as well!

The salty bite of croutons and parmesan cheese cuts through the rich flavors of beef beautifully.

7. Grilled Caprese Salad

If you’re feeling adventurous, this recipe is perfect for you.

It features fresh breaded tomato slices topped with mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, and a sweet balsamic vinaigrette that will make your taste buds explode!

Just make sure your cow-ready guests are dressed appropriately.

8. Mediterranean Chicken Salad

If you want to go really outside the box with your surf-and-turf meal, give this recipe a try.

This salad combines grilled chicken with tuna and fresh veggies over crunchy romaine lettuce leaves to create a healthy but still delicious meal that can be eaten hot or cold.

What Dessert to Serve with Surf and Turf

Looking for the perfect sweet treat to complement your surf and turf?

Look no further than our list of 22 desserts that are both delicious and easy to make:

1. Lemon Meringue Pie

Lemon Meringue Pie is a great classic dessert to pair with the surf and turf, because it will give your meal a little bit of brightness and acid that can tone down the heaviness of surf and turf.

It’s also a neutral flavor that will go well with any spices or sauces you decide to serve with your surf and turf.

This recommendation is also great because Lemon Meringue Pie is made using lemon juice, which is an important ingredient in ceviche—another seafood dish!

2. Strawberry Shortcake

A dessert that makes an appearance as a side dish is the perfect way to finish your meal.

If you’re looking for something to go with your surf and turf, look no further than this strawberry shortcake.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and is perfect for a party or a dinner with friends.

It’s a delicious treat that will satisfy your taste buds and the foodies in your life.

3. Brownie Sundae

A brownie sundae includes a scoop of vanilla ice cream placed on top of a brownie that has been cut into small cubes (or pieces).

It’s then topped with whipped cream, a cherry, and sometimes chocolate or caramel sauce.

The sweetness of the brownie perfectly balances the saltiness of the seafood in your meal, while the ice cream helps cool your palette after eating some spicier meats (like a steak).

Plus, this dessert can be made more or less decadent depending on how you serve it—you can use lower-quality chocolate if you prefer something lighter, or you can go all out by drizzling ganache over your sundae.

4. Strawberry cheesecake pops

These are small strawberry cheesecakes about the size of a large gumball that you can eat in one or two bites.

They’re dipped in white chocolate and covered with sprinkles or coconut shavings, depending on your preference.

5. Peach cobbler ice cream sandwiches

Next, we suggest peach cobbler ice cream sandwiches.

These are made by taking two peach cookies, placing them on the top and bottom of a scoop of ice cream, and then covering the whole thing in caramel sauce.

If you don’t have peach cookies on hand, you can also make these sandwiches with oatmeal raisin cookies—either way is delicious!

6. Coconut cake

This coconut cake has a light flavor that complements both meats, rather than competing with them.

It also has a nice texture: dense and moist enough to stand up to the heavy flavor of the steak, but not too heavy for the delicate seafood.

7. Rhubarb pie

It’s a simple recipe, but you’ll want to make sure you use the freshest rhubarb you can get your hands on.

For the crust, we recommend using a savory pastry, because dessert crusts can be a bit tough to pull off for the amateur chef.

When it comes to savory pastry, we’ve found that a good rule of thumb is to focus on texture: if there’s texture in your pie shell, it will hold up better against the sweetness of the filling.

We like making ours with a combination of flours and seeds, but every kitchen is different—find what works best for yours!

8. Bread pudding

This is a classic dessert that pairs well with almost any dinner.

You can make your own bread pudding or have a few slices of store-bought bread pudding on hand to serve with your surf and turf dinner.

Bread pudding is delicious because it’s so filling and flavorful, and it complements the rich flavor of surf and turf really well.

9. Brownies

Brownies are a great addition to any surf and turf meal, because they’re rich and decadent and will match any level of indulgence you’ve already hit with your surf and turf menu.

Plus, brownies are super versatile: you can have them with nuts, without nuts, topped with ice cream, topped with frosting—you name it!

10. Strawberry sorbet

Sorbet is a great option for those who have allergies to dairy or gluten.

It’s also light and refreshing, which is a nice counterpoint to the heavier dishes that are usually served during a surf and turf meal.

Plus, strawberry sorbet is bright and fruity, which will also help balance out the heaviness of the meal.

11. Chocolate lava cake

If you’re looking for a fancier dessert to go with your surf and turf dinner, try making a chocolate lava cake.

These little cakes are both rich and fluffy, and they’re sure to satisfy even the choosiest of guests.

12. Molasses cookies

Molasses cookies are delicious and chewy, with a strong hint of spice that makes them perfect for fall or winter gatherings.

They’re also great for dunking in milk!

13. Carrot cake

Sweet, moist, and full of the flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg, carrot cake is a great option for spring or summer gatherings.

It’s also really fun to play around with the frosting—a bright orange-flavored cream cheese frosting is usually popular, but don’t be afraid to get creative!

14. Chocolate mousse

Chocolate mousse is another decadent dessert that goes well with surf and turf.

It’s hard not to feel like royalty when you’re eating chocolate mousse after a hearty steak dinner!

15. Caramel apples

A classic pairing of apples and caramel that’s hard to beat.

The best part about caramel apples is how easy they are to make—all you have to do is melt some caramel (or buy the pre-made stuff at the store) and dip apples into it until they’re completely covered.

16. Chocolate chip cookies

Another classic pairing, chocolate chip cookies are simple enough for kids to make yet sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy too.

They’re also super customizable—you can add nuts, swap out chocolate chips for peanut butter chips, or even throw in some oatmeal right before baking!

Add a scoop of ice cream on top if you want something extra special!

17. Panna cotta

You can make this dessert in a variety of ways, from the traditional to the fancy.

You can even use gelatin instead of cream cheese in a fun way to make it taste like cheesecake!

18. Cinnamon rolls

The ultimate breakfast dessert.

You can make these in a variety of ways, from the traditional to the fancy.

You can even make them with ice cream instead of icing for a decadent treat.

19. Ice cream

You can customize your ice cream for any occasion, from making it in a variety of shapes (like a sundae bar) to using different toppings.

You can also use different techniques to make it, from making custard based ice cream to making ice cream without an ice cream maker.

20. Peanut butter cups

Everyone loves peanut butter cups, and you can customize these as much as you like to create a variety of different flavors.

You can add in chocolate chips, chocolate candies, nuts, or even peanut butter to make your own unique flavors!

21. Pies in General

You can pretty much make any pie you want, whether you’re looking for classics like strawberry or apple, or you’re looking for something more creative like chocolate mousse or key lime pie.

Pies are one of the easiest desserts to make, and you can make them in a variety of shapes—from round to square and even heart-shaped—so you can make them for any occasion.

22. Cake

There are so many different types of cake, from the simple and classic to the intricate and elaborate.

You can make a cake in a variety of shapes, from round to square and even heart-shaped.

You can also make them to suit your taste by swapping out ingredients like adding nuts or replacing milk for cream.

5 Easy Appetizers for Surf and Turf Dinner

Having trouble deciding what to serve before the main course?

Here are 5 easy appetizers to add a little something extra to your Surf and Turf dinner:

1. Crab Stuffed Mushrooms

Add some flavor and texture to your party with these crab stuffed mushrooms!

The crab meat is seasoned with a balance of citrus and spice which pairs nicely with the robust taste of mushroom caps.

See Also: What to Serve with Stuffed Mushrooms: 33 Easy Side Dishes

2. Grilled Calamari

If you’ve never had grilled calamari, you’re missing out!

The squid is marinated in cinnamon and other sweet spices before being cooked on the grill. These sure will be a crowd pleaser!

3. Steamed Shrimp Dumplings

Tender shrimp wrapped in dumpling dough gives these an extra crunchy texture that will wow your guests!

Serve with soy sauce or spicy mustard for dipping.

4. Crab Rangoon

Crab Rangoon is one of our favorite appetizers because they are so easy to make, and everyone loves them!

The way we usually like to make them is by frying wonton wrappers, adding crab or shrimp and cream cheese, sealing with a little bit more flour, then deep-frying in oil until they are golden brown.

Serve them with our delicious cucumber salad and you’ve got yourself a party!

5. Grilled Beef Skewers

For an appetizer that’s warm winter comfort food all year round, serve some grilled beef skewers with a balsamic reduction.

5 Healthy Sides for Surf and Turf

The secret to making surf and turf even more delicious isn’t just in the main course—it’s in the sides!

We’ve come up with a list of five healthy sides that’ll take your surf and turf experience to the next level.

Check them out below!

1. Roasted Vegetable Skewers

Skewers are a great way to get a lot of flavor from one slice of food.

You can use whatever vegetables you’d like, but we love the combination of cherry tomatoes, onions, peppers, and mushrooms.

Just toss them in a splash of olive oil and salt and pepper, then roast for about 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Cinnamon

Sweet potatoes are so good for you, but they’re often overlooked because they’re not as trendy as other vegetables.

We love this recipe because it makes sweet potatoes the star of the show: dice them into cubes, toss with olive oil and cinnamon, then roast at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.

3. Grilled Zucchini with Onions

We love this side because it combines two vegetables that we’d never thought to combine before, and the result is magic.

Plus, it’s super tasty and easy to make.

Just slice zucchini into small pieces, combine with onion slices, and grill on high heat until both veggies are soft and cooked through.

4. Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are a perfect addition to any surf and turf meal, plus they’re simple to make.

1. Cut your bell peppers in half, scoop out the seeds, and fill with meat or meatless stuffing of your choice.
2. Bake on a baking sheet at 375 degrees for 40 minutes.

5. Cauliflower mash

Forget potatoes: cauliflower mash is where it’s at these days!

It’s super rich and creamy without all those pesky carbs, so you can load up without feeling guilty after.

How to Choose What to Serve with Surf and Turf

Surf and turf is a great meal, especially when paired with the right side dish.

How do you go about choosing what to serve with surf and turf?

How much time do you have to cook this meal?

Surf and turf can be served as an elegant meal, or it can be a casual meal.

The first thing you need to ask yourself is how much time you want to spend making this meal.

If you’re in a rush, then maybe consider serving steamed vegetables so you don’t have to spend a lot of time making them.

If you have more time on your hands, then feel free to use that time to make something more elaborate.

What type of dish are you looking for to complement the main dish?

Maybe you want something rich, like mashed potatoes or sautéed spinach.

Maybe you want something light, like rice or asparagus.

Think about the flavors of your main course and choose something that will complement them well.

This way, everyone at the table will be able to enjoy their meal together!

Are there any allergies or dietary restrictions that need to be considered?

It’s important to think about any dietary restrictions or allergies your guests might have.

• Are they gluten-free?
• Vegetarian?
• Are there any other types of food they don’t eat?

Try not to pick an option that’ll cause them any discomfort or inconvenience—they’re your friends and family because they like you, right?

So try to make them feel at home by serving something they’ll enjoy.

Is everyone okay with eating seafood?

Surf and turf means that there is both seafood and meat being served at the same meal, so if anyone in your party does not like seafood, then maybe consider serving a dish that doesn’t include any seafood with it.

This will help prevent any problems from occurring during the meal, and people won’t have to worry about accidentally eating something they don’t like by accident.

What kind of flavors are your guests craving?

If they’re in the mood for something light and fresh, consider adding a salad to the mix.

If they’re more interested in something rich and hearty, some roasted vegetables would be a great choice!

Conclusion

In conclusion, a surf and turf meal is an easy way to serve up a delicious and healthy meal.

You can pair it with a wide variety of side dishes, so pick what you like!